![Interior at Caysorn Thai Haymarket](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Interior-at-Caysorn-Thai-Haymarket-1024x775.jpg)
Are you coming to Sydney?
Sydney Local Guide - Edition 15
![baked goods at A.P Bakery](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2.jpg)
A.P Bakery has some of the best pastries in Surry Hills!
With the opening of Sydney Metro’s newest section in August, commuters will have shorter transport times through the CBD. You can travel from the new Victoria Cross station in North Sydney to Barangaroo in around 3 minutes. From Chatswood to Sydenham, it will take around 22 minutes.
Got a question? Message me on Instagram, our Sydney travel concierge is here to help.
Where I visited
Quick Brown Fox Eatery
- 22 Union St, Pyrmont
For lazy daytime catch-ups, this outdoor restaurant in Pyrmont is a top pick by locals and tourists. Quick Brown Fox Eatery is a 6-minute walk from Darling Harbour and right across the road from The Star casino.
Having lived in Pyrmont for 2.5 years, I can attest to the regular hum of patrons that Quick Brown Fox receives. I visited for the first time recently and thought the service was friendly. The menu has classic brunch options like Smashed Avo on Sourdough and Waffle Eggs Benedict, while also offering intriguing Asian mixes like XO-sauce Congee.
See the Google Map link to Quick Brown Fox Eatery (Pyrmont) here. You can check-out the Sydney Lyric Theatre nearby after your lunch.
A.P Bakery
- L2/80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
A.P Bakery is a serious contender for the best bakery in downtown Sydney. They own a mill-house in Marrickville where farmers’ grain is turned into tasty loaves.
I rarely try bread with savoury and sweet flavours. A.P Bakery impressed me with its breadth of offerings. You can try a Szechuan Lamb Flatbread, a Warrigal Greens & Ricotta Pie, or a Ham & Gruyere Croissant. In their cake section, I am intrigued by their Whiskey Canele!
A.P Bakery (short for All Purpose Bakery) has locations in Newtown, Carriageworks (Redfern) and Barrack Street, Sydney CBD. I’d recommend visiting their original outpost on the rooftop of Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills.
See the Google Map link to A.P Bakery (Surry Hills) here.
Fortune Alley (inside World Square)
- World Square Shopping Centre, 644 George St, Sydney
I think I’ve found the most affordable lunch option in Sydney CBD. For $17.14 (including card surcharge), this Chinese takeaway and restaurant offers 3 selections plus rice/noodle. Fortune Alley World Square has a wide selection of sides presented appetisingly. The service was brisk and polite, which is a credit given the popularity of the eatery.
See the Google Map link to Fortune Alley (World Square) here. You’ll find flavours inspired by Taiwan, Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine.
Jumbo Thai
- 60 Union St, Pyrmont
I visited Jumbo Thai more than 20 times while I lived in Pyrmont. It’s next to Coles supermarket and a short walk from The Darling Hotel. I would regularly walk past the sexy, dimly-lit ambience of Sokyo (Japanese fine-dining) to this cheerful, wok-clattering Thai local.
Jumbo Thai serves lunch and dinner that’s reliably tasty and affordable. I frequently ordered their Laksa and Tom Yum Noodle Soups (you can choose from Duck, Beef, Chicken or Pork Belly), their Pad See Ew, and their Pad Thai.
See the Google Map link to Jumbo Thai (Pyrmont) here. This cute, family-friendly locals’ favourite is good for an after-work dinner or a quick n’ easy lunch.
i.D Hair Salon
- 279 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield
A haircut for $18.00 in this economy!
I am glad that my first ever visit to a hairdresser in Ashfield was pleasant and effective. The lady listened to my requests and made my hair look the way I wanted.
The facilities at i.D Hair Salon were clean and tidy. You can also get a massage while having your hair washed.
See the Google Map link to i.D Hair Salon (Ashfield) here. It’s a contender for the most affordable hair salon in Sydney.
![Interior at Caysorn Thai Haymarket](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Interior-at-Caysorn-Thai-Haymarket-1024x775.jpg)
![Latte at Tea Journal Chatswood](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Best-cafes-in-Sydney-for-remote-work-2-1024x775.jpg)
Best cafes for remote work and study around Sydney
![](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Koalamate-Sydney-local-guide-14-9-1024x775.jpg)
Sydney Local Guide – Edition 14
![](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Koalamate-x-VisionVivo-Carte-Glebe-fine-dining-6-1024x1024.jpg)
Japanese-French restaurant for date night in Glebe
![](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Koalamate-Jiawei-Shen-art-exhibition-at-Rochfort-Gallery-North-Sydney-4-1024x775.jpg)
Jiawei Shen art exhibition at Rochfort Gallery North Sydney
![](https://koalamate.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Koalamate-Sydney-travel-planner-9-1024x775.jpg)